Ford Updates Focus ST Fans on Facebook

Millions of Americans log on to Facebook each day for updates about their friends and family - but soon, car enthusiasts will have another reason to check the social networking site. That's because Ford will soon begin sharing video, photography and status updates about its sporty new Focus ST exclusively through its Facebook page.

According to Ford, there has been strong worldwide demand for more information regarding the high-performance Focus ST. The automaker decided that Facebook was a great way to share information with those Focus ST fans. In addition to exclusive videos and photos of the Focus ST, Ford will also share information about the car's technical highlights and driving experience, plus insights from Ford's global performance vehicle team into the car's unique features. Ford also says its 300,000-plus Facebook fans will get to witness previously unseen footage of the Focus ST undergoing rigorous pre-production testing.

"Our Facebook page allows us to reach out to enthusiasts around the world for the first time and share with them the final stages of development of the new Focus ST as it happens," said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles. "This is Ford's first truly global performance vehicle, and social media gives us a rare opportunity to show enthusiasts how this car is progressing, gives insight into its technologies and builds excitement in this community as we finalize Focus ST's technical specifications."

Scheduled to launch next year, the Focus ST features a 247-horsepower version of Ford's 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine - a major jump from the standard Focus's 160-horsepower. Other upgrades include torque vectoring control, which improves handling by transferring power between wheels, standard traction control and enhanced sport suspension. Ford says some of the videos it plans to post on its Facebook page will demonstrate the benefits of these features.

"We are determined that the new Focus ST will meet the very high expectations of our fans around the world," added Capito. "Focus ST will deliver on the promise of great technology, exciting driving dynamics and high levels of refinement - making it as enjoyable to use for everyday driving as it will be on exciting and challenging roads we performance enthusiasts deliberately seek out."

Updates on the Focus ST's development will be provided to users who "Like" the automaker's official Facebook page.

Jeffrey Archer
is fortunate to have turned a passion for cars into a career. His wide-ranging automotive experience includes work for automakers and dealers in addition to covering the news. When not writing, he spends his time searching for unique cars on AutoTrader.com.